When discussing the most coveted luxury bags on the market, we often find that the most recognisable models are those that have been around for years and have garnered a high demand among generations of buyers.
The Chanel 19 bag breaks this trend, not least because it was only released in 2019, but also because it is not 100% original. Rather, the Chanel 19 bag straddles the line between being something new and eye-catching yet close enough to an early model to be considered a reimagining rather than something innovative and unique.
The Chanel 19 bag is, in its simplest form, a 21st century reimagining of Coco Chanel’s original 2.55 Flap bag – brought to life, and to the market, by Karl Lagerfeld. In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the underlying features of the Chanel 19 bag and what makes it such a good investment for modern buyers.
History of the Chanel 19 Bag
From the outset, it might not seem like the Chanel 19 has much of a history. After all, it was only designed and released in 2019, and so it hasn’t had much chance to settle into the market and become a luxury classic just yet.
However, when we consider the relationship between the Chanel 19 bag and its inspiration, history becomes a much more insightful topic of conversation.
Both the history and inspiration of the Chanel 19 bag are wrapped up in Coco Chanel’s own designs for the 2.55 bag – a bag that broke boundaries itself and became an icon in the world of luxury handbags. The 2.55 was released with a shoulder strap, reminiscent of the bags used by soldiers in the war, and offering female buyers a chance to access the same portable and hands-free design of functional male satchels. This shoulder strap was crafted using a metal chain threaded with leather, and held the flat bag with its interior and exterior pockets firmly at the wearer’s side.
As one of Coco Chanel’s most successful designs, the 2.55 has remained a staple in the Chanel collection ever since – with the Chanel 19 just a more modern variation of this classic.
Bringing it into the 21st century then, the Chanel 19 bag was inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s desire to modernise and breathe life back into the Chanel brand by broadening the market around the 2.55 with increasingly stylised and unique designs.
Key Features of the Chanel 19 Bag
The Chanel 19 bag is a flap bag with a long shoulder strap – features it owes to the original 2.55 bag, which was released in 1955.
Beyond that, though, details of the Chanel 19 mark it as being a more modern handbag with the needs of 21st century buyers firmly in mind.
The interlocking CC logo is much bolder on the Chanel 19 bag, which really drives the brand home and makes it a standout feature of the bag. The Chanel 19 is also available in a selection of sizes, which range from the 19 Waist bag to the Wallet on Chain design, Flap bag, Large Flap bag, and the Maxi Flap bag.
Because the original 2.55 was designed to be as functional as it was elegant and stylish, the rollout of the Maxi 19 design is particularly telling and harks back to the underlying practical nature of the 2.55 design. Coco Chanel wanted the bag to be useful above all else – a feature that Karl Lagerfeld and subsequent designers have retained throughout the later releases and collections.
The materials of the Chanel 19 collection again vary and include the classic and more traditional materials alongside some more innovative and modern finishes. Lambskin and goatskin are joined by the likes of denim, tweed, jersey, and even silk – creating different textures and aesthetics for different types of buyers.
Finally, considering the colours of the Chanel 19 collection, as with so many modern luxury brands, the colour palettes boast both the timeless looks and the more seasonal finishes. Pastels prove just as popular as bold colours, while neutrals and monochromatic finishes always perform well across the range.
Should You Invest in a Luxury Chanel 19 Bag?
The Chanel 19 bag boasts the kind of status that combines the brand’s history and one of its most iconic and influential designs, with the modern market.
In a move that directly links every Chanel 19 bag to the brand’s two most iconic designer names, the Chanel 19 was brought to life by Karl Lagerfeld, but inspired by the original design from Coco Chanel. This makes it a part of the brand’s history, which is unique, and which makes it much more than just a high-value luxury accessory.
To buy a Chanel 19 bag is to invest in a piece that bridges function with effortless style, making it a suitable investment for those who want to hold on to their piece for future resale, and for those who hope to use and wear their bag out and about.
If buying a Chanel 19 bag is on your bucket list, we have a few tips to help. Firstly, make sure to deal only with reputable resellers and stockists, ideally those that offer valuations in store and have all the correct certification information available. In addition, we recommend investing either in a timeless colour and finish that will hold its value or buying something that you love and will get joy out of.
Finally, if you hope to resell your bag one day, remember that condition is key and that you need to keep all the original packaging and authentication information. Get started on your purchase by visiting your local boutique store.